Senior Payroll Accountant

Senior Payroll Accountant EveryStep - 3.8 Des Moines, IA Job Details 7 hours ago Benefits 401(k) Qualifications Spreadsheets Professional ethics Associate's degree Data analysis software

Full Job Description Purpose:

The Senior Payroll Accountant is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's end-to-end payroll functions to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing and reporting. This role partners with Human Resources, Finance, and operational leaders, driving continuous improvement, maintaining reliable payroll systems, and ensuring a high level of service to employees.

Responsibilities:

Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for the complete payroll process. Partners with all teams and programs to ensure timely electronic review and approval of weekly hours worked and time off. Maintains payroll records, submits accurate federal and state deposit reports, ACH transactions, quarterly and annual payroll reports, and W2's. Partners with Human Resources to ensure all leaves are processed timely and accurately, including, but not limited to, FMLA, STD, non-FMLA leave of absences, PTO, and workers' compensation. Oversees all payroll deductions such as garnishments and levies, 401(k), and benefits to ensure proper payroll deductions are made and remitted. Performs all data transfers between systems, performs balance inquiries and accuracy checks, and processes trial payroll runs for verification. Serves as primary point of contact for payroll system configurations, in collaboration with HRIS administrator. Verifies proper system setup of annual holiday and payroll calendars, benefits and organizational changes for the purpose of accurate payroll processing and reporting. Produces accurate labor distribution, grant-required, productivity and other requested reports. Produces payroll related journal entries and reconciles payroll general ledger accounts. Supports the submission of grant reimbursements for labor and non-labor expenses. Supports processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash journal entries and reconciliations. Supports the organization's annual 401(k) audit. Performs other accounting functions or Human Resources projects, as directed by the leader, and supports cross-training initiatives within the accounting team. Payroll Operations & Compliance Develops, maintains, and enhances standard operating procedures for all payroll processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Oversees timely and accurate submission of payroll, including verification of weekly hours worked, time off, and other pay-related data in coordination with departmental leaders. Ensures proper maintenance of payroll records and completion of all federal and state tax filings, ACH transactions, quarterly/annual payroll reports, and year-end W-2 processing. Manages involuntary deductions such as garnishments, levies, and child support orders to ensure accurate and compliant withholdings. Manages voluntary deductions such as benefit and 401(k) withholdings and remittances. System & Process Management Serves as the primary point of contact for payroll system configuration and optimization, in collaboration with the HRIS Administrator. Ensures accurate system setup, including holiday schedules, payroll calendars, benefits, compensation updates, and organizational structure changes. Executes and validates data transfers between systems, performs payroll balancing and audit checks, and conducts trial payroll runs to ensure accuracy. Assists with HRIS maintenance, upgrades, new module implementations, and cross-functional system enhancements. Employee & Leader Support Provides guidance and support to employees regarding time entry, payroll questions, and account issues. Partners with managers to ensure accurate and timely review and approval of timecards and payroll data. Collaborates with Human Resources to ensure timely and accurate processing of all leave types, including FMLA, STD, non-FMLA leave, PTO, and workers' compensation. Financial Reporting & Audit Support Prepares and analyzes labor distribution reports, grant-required reports, productivity metrics, and other payroll-related financial data. Prepares payroll-related journal entries and reconciles payroll general ledger accounts. Supports internal and external audits, including the annual 401(k) audit, by providing documentation and ensuring data integrity. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborates with Accounting and Human Resources on process improvement initiatives and special projects. Participates in cross-training within the Accounting team to support business continuity. Assists with system maintenance, ACH transactions, quarterly reports, and year-end reporting. Produces accurate cost and labor distribution reports, project and grant detail, productivity, and other requested reports. Understands how the chart of accounts relates to each different team, program, and department. Assists with non-routine entry of journal entries into the accounting system. Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Technical Competencies Payroll Expertise:

Demonstrates deep knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, tax requirements, and industry best practices.

System Proficiency:

Strong technical skills and ability to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain payroll and HRIS systems.

Data Accuracy:

Maintains exceptional precision in calculations, data entry, reconciliations, and reporting.

Microsoft Excel:

Intermediate or higher expertise with Microsoft Excel required. L eadership &

Behavioral Competencies Integrity & Confidentiality:

Handles sensitive employee and financial information with discretion and professionalism.

Problem Solving:

Identifies issues promptly, analyzes root causes, and implements effective solutions.

Communication:

Communicates clearly and professionally with staff at all levels and provides effective guidance and support.

Collaboration:

Builds strong working relationships with HR, Accounting, and operations to ensure seamless payroll workflows.

Time Management:

Effectively prioritizes tasks in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining high accuracy.

Continuous Improvement:

Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance payroll processes, increase efficiency, and reduce risk.

Customer Service Orientation:

Strives to deliver an excellent employee experience through responsive and knowledgeable support.

Qualifications:

Associate's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field required. Minimum of 5 years of payroll processing required, financial analysis and reporting, or audit experience preferred. Intermediate expertise or greater with Microsoft Excel. Strong knowledge of payroll laws, reporting requirements, and compliance standards. Proficiency with automated payroll systems and HRIS platforms. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work independently while effectively planning, organizing, and prioritizing work. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and analysis. Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software applications quickly. Must adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines. Valid driver's license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation if travel is required. Successful completion of pre-employment physical, drug screen, 2-step TB test, and background check.

Working Conditions:

Physical requirements: Light work, sitting most of the time, exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a small amount of force constantly to move objects Physical activities: Kneeling, Reaching, Pushing, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive motions, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering (picking, pinching, typing, etc.), Grasping (applying pressure with fingers and palm), Visual acuity (field of vision for analyzing data, viewing computer, using measurement devices, operating machines, determining accuracy or neatness, and/or making general observations)

Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential

Time:

Ability to be flexible with a varying schedule and programmatic requirements, including some work in the evenings and weekends

Travel:

Limited unless required by leader These characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Note:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. EveryStep is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are implemented without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information or on the basis of age or physical or mental disability unrelated to ability to perform the work required.